Semi-automatic rifle restrictors and methods

ABSTRACT

A production direct gas impingement semi-automatic AR-style rifle is converted to a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifle that includes: a) conventional rifle components, including an upper receiver and lower, trigger, trigger guard, barrel; b) a direct gas impingement semi-automatic firing mechanism including automatic gas actuated casing ejection, automatic gas actuated bolt and hammer reset, and automatic gas actuated cartridge reload functionality, including a bolt carrier with two production carrier gas key screw threaded receiving orifices and having no production carrier gas key, and a having a metal gas blocking and diverting mechanism attached to the bolt carrier in the place of a production carrier gas key. This inhibits semi-automatic operation of the rifle by disabling the automatic gas actuated casing ejection, bolt and hammer reset, and cartridge reload functionality. In some embodiments the bolt carrier assembly and aforementioned gas diverting block mechanism components are unistructurally formed.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/932,518, filed on 12 Mar. 2018, havingcommon inventor with the inventor herein and titled “SEMI-AUTOMATICRIFLE RESTRICTORS”.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION a. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to the problem of AR-stylesemiautomatic rifles currently in production and being sold for civilianuse, which are now outlawed in a number of states and counties.Tremendous efforts have been made to provide aftermarket devices andconversion kits to render these rifles compliant under recently enactedlaws. Such conversions involve one of three approaches: (1) replace allor most of the upper receiver mechanisms of the rifle with parts thathave been heavily modified that render the AR style rifle intonon-semiautomatic (e.g., bolt-action, break, or pump action) rifle.These options cost many hundreds of dollars (or more); (2) remove vitalparts of the firearms action by having professional gunsmiths machineout or modify these parts to render the firearm non-semiautomatic; or(3) a combination of the two proceeding methods. What is lacking in allof these conversion options is an inexpensive and efficient conversionthat would require no machining or cutting, but only the substitution ofa single part within the firearm. It is this breakthrough to which thepresent invention is directed. By removing the bolt carrier gas key andreplacing it with a fixed, screwed-on gas redirecting block, oralternatively replacing it with a unistructurally formed combined boltcarrier and gas redirecting block, the invention disables the direct gasimpingement cycling system of the firearm that automatically ejects thefired casing and resets the bolt of the firearm, automatically reloadinganother cartridge (i.e., semi-automatic cycling of the firearm'saction). Thus, with this simple, fixed conversion, the rifles “directgas impingement” semiautomatic bolt system is fully disabled, requiringthe operator of the firearm to manually eject the fired casing bypulling the handle of the invention straight back and manually load thenext cartridge into the firearm's chamber by releasing the invention oraffirmatively pushing the invention forward. Thus, this conversionsystem renders any semiautomatic AR-style rifle with a direct gasimpingement cycling system into a “straight-pull bolt-action rifle.” Byconverting these firearms into “straight pull bolt action rifles,” theinvention removes the firearms from all current laws and regulationsthat would otherwise ban these firearms (if they were to remainsemiautomatic).

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to thepresent invention:

U.S. Pat. No. 9,470,469 B2 to Daniel et al describes an assembly forpreventing gas leaks in a bolt carrier group of a firearm is disclosed.The assembly may include a bolt carrier with a gas hole, a bolt carriergas key attachable to the bolt carrier about the gas hole, a groovedisposed on the bolt carrier about the gas hole, and a seal disposedwithin the groove.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,279,628 B1 to Pollack relates to kits and associatedmethods for converting a semi-automatic firearm into a bolt singleaction firearm, as well as the converted firearm itself. The kitincludes a housing (e.g. upper receiver) that accommodates a boltcarrier and a charging handle and a carrier key, if desired. The housinghas ends which mount to the existing lower receiver of thesemi-automatic firearm to convert the semi-automatic firearm into amanual bolt-action firearm.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2016/0178308 A1 toDaniel et al. describes an assembly for preventing gas leaks in a boltcarrier group of a firearm is disclosed. The assembly may include a boltcarrier with a gas hole, a bolt carrier gas key attachable to the boltcarrier about the gas hole, a groove disposed on the bolt carrier aboutthe gas hole, and a seal disposed within the groove.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0311004 A1 toBarrett describes a bolt control device for causing the bolt of afirearm to be held in a retained open position after each round isfired, the bolt control device capable of being manipulated by the userto also release and return the bolt to a firing position so that thefirearm may be used to fire an additional round.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0060311 A1 toChristenson describes an improved gas key assembly for a fire arm, suchas an AR 15 or a M4 rifle, having a gas key fastened by fasteners on abolt carrier assembly where the gas key moves with the bolt carrier whenthe fire arm is fired, wherein the gas key has a slot for receiving akey element in the slot and the key element has a stem which is seatedin the slot and a rail which overlays the fasteners to removably securethe gas key to the bolt carrier and holds gas key resisting unintendedseparation of the gas key from the bolt carrier. Also the inventionincludes a method for securing a gas key to a bolt carrier in such afire arm.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0094373 A1 toCassels describes a convertible gas piston conversion system for theAR-15, AR-10, or their variant rifle platforms is provided to convertthe platform from a direct impingement gas system to a piston drivenoperating system. The conversion system includes a gas block having abarrel bore and two piston cylinder bores one on either side of the gasblock. One of the piston cylinder bores is for utilization of the AR-15rifle and the other of the piston cylinder bores is for utilization ofthe AR-10 rifle, making this piston system convertible for the AR-15,AR-10, or any of their variant rifle platforms. A piston cylinder isinserted into the gas block via the piston cylinder bore and a piston isactuated inside the piston cylinder to cycle the rifle. A connectinglink is coupled between the piston and an op-rod making the gas systemslength adjustable by simply replacing the connecting link. The op-rodacts directly upon a carrier lug to cycle the rifle and a compressionspring or the like returns the piston back into the battery within thepiston cylinder. An op-rod bushing guides the op-rod throughout travel.A bolt carrier includes a lug and an anti-tilt/anti wear device. Thebolt carrier provides a lug for the op-rod to impinge upon to cycle therifle. The anti-tilt/anti wear bolt carrier device installs into therear of the bolt carrier to minimize damage and wear to the buffer tubeand upper receiver from a condition identified as carrier tilt.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2010/0319528 A1 toKenney et al describes a gas plug retention and removal device for a gasoperating system of a firearm. The gas operating system can include agas block comprising a front end, a rear end, a gas block bore definedbetween the front and rear ends, and at least one cam engagementsurface. A gas plug can be removably received in the front end of thegas block for at least partially sealing the gas block bore, and a camlever bail can be pivotally coupled to the gas plug and include at leastone lever arm. The at least one lever arm can be pivotally connected tothe gas plug, be adapted to engage the gas block, and have at least onecam lobe formed therealong. The at least one cam lobe can engage the camengagement surface of the gas block as the cam lever bail is pivoted soas to disengage and facilitate the removal of the gas plug from the gasblock to provide access to the gas block bore.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taughtnor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to methods and devices that relate toAR-style rifle conversions in order to render them non-semiautomaticrifles under current definitions of California and other state laws. Thepresent invention is a substituted part, a gas diverting block, thatreplaces the gas key of an AR-style semiautomatic rifle by theinvention's installation onto the bolt carrier of the firearm, or asubstituted part that is a unistructurally combined bolt carrier and gasdiverting block, while, in some embodiments, simultaneously acting asthe firearm's “charging handle.” This substitution prohibits the firearmfrom automatically ejecting a fired casing and automatically loading thenext cartridge into the firearm chamber by blocking the direct gasimpingement cycling system of the firearm. By prohibiting the direct gasimpingement cycling system of the AR-style rifle, the installation ofthe present invention successfully converts the semiautomatic rifle intoa single shot, straight pull bolt action rifle.

Thus, the present invention is directed to methods and devices thatrelate to AR style rifle conversions to render them non-semiautomatic.In some preferred embodiments, the production AR style semi-automaticrifle that has been fixedly converted to a single shot, straight pullbolt action rifle, includes: a) conventional AR-style rifle components,including but not limited to an upper receiver and lower, trigger,trigger guard, barrel; b) a semi-automatic firing mechanism including agas actuated casing ejection and gas actuated bolt and hammer reset andcartridge reload mechanism and including a bolt carrier with twothreaded carrier gas key screw receiving orifices and having noproduction carrier gas key and a having a fixed dual-bored metal gasdiverting block mechanism attached to said bolt carrier at said twothreaded carrier key screw receiving orifices, said dual-bored metal gasdiverting block mechanism having a front end that is at least partiallyaskew from a right angle to said bolt carrier, said front end beingselected from the group consisting of: (i) a front end having a frontwall with a deflection wall angled askew from said right angle to saidbolt carrier; and (ii) a front end having a deflection channel angledaskew from said right angle to said bolt carrier; said dual-bored metalgas diverting block mechanism being positioned so as to inhibitsemi-automatic operation of said semi-automatic rifle by disabling theautomatic gas actuated casing ejection, the automatic gas actuated boltand hammer reset, and the automatic gas actuated cartridge reloadfunctionality, thereby rendering it a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle.

In other preferred embodiments, the production AR style semi-automaticrifle that has been fixedly converted to a single shot, straight pullbolt action rifle, includes: a) conventional AR-style rifle components,including but not limited to an upper receiver and lower, trigger,trigger guard, barrel; b) a semi-automatic firing mechanism includingautomatic gas actuated casing ejection, automatic gas actuated bolt andhammer reset, and automatic gas actuated cartridge reload functionalityand including a bolt carrier component that is unistructurally formed,and includes a bolt carrier structure and an integrated metal gasdiverting block mechanism, said metal gas diverting block mechanismhaving a front end that is selected from the group consisting of: (i)said front end being at least partially flat at a right angle to saidbolt carrier; (ii) said front end having a deflection wall angled askewfrom said right angle to said bolt carrier; and (ii) said front endhaving a deflection channel angled askew from said right angle to saidbolt carrier; said metal gas diverting block mechanism being positionedso as to inhibit semi-automatic operation of said semi-automatic rifleby disabling the automatic gas actuated casing ejection, automatic gasactuated bolt and hammer reset, and automatic gas actuated cartridgereload functionality, thereby rendering it a single shot, straight pullbolt action rifle.

In some embodiments of the present invention, production semi-automaticrifle that has been converted to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle, the metal gas diverting block is a metal selected from thegroup consisting of an aluminum, titanium, steel and stainless steel.

In some embodiments of the present invention, production semi-automaticrifle that has been converted to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle, the bolt carrier has a top flat portion with two threadedorifices for receiving carrier gas key screws and the metal block gasmechanism contains two corresponding orifices and the metal block gasmechanism is screwed to the bolt carrier.

In some embodiments of the present invention, production semi-automaticrifle that has been converted to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle, the metal gas diverting block is a unitary component.

In some embodiments of the present invention, production semi-automaticrifle that has been converted to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle, the metal gas diverting block is a two-component metal gasdiverting block.

In some embodiments of the present invention, production semi-automaticrifle that has been converted to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle, includes a charge handle element which further includes atleast one backward extending pull handle.

In some embodiments of the present invention, production semi-automaticrifle that has been converted to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle, the charge handle further includes two opposing backwardextending pull handles.

In some embodiments of the present invention, production semi-automaticrifle that has been converted to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle, the charge handle and said two opposing backward extendingpull handles are a unitary component.

In some embodiments of the present invention, production semi-automaticrifle that has been converted to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle, the charge handle and said two opposing backward extendingpull handles are separate components that are connected to one another.

In some embodiments of the present invention, production semi-automaticrifle that has been converted to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle, the two opposing backward extending pull handles are lefthand and right hand pull handles respectively, and one of said left handand right hand pull handles further includes a pull handle extensionremovably attached to it, and further wherein said pull handle extensionis interchangeable with the other of one of said left hand and righthand pull handles such that it is attachable to either of said left handand right hand pull handles.

In some embodiments of the present invention, there is a method ofconverting a semi-automatic rifle to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle which includes: a) removing the bolt carrier with installedcarrier gas key from the upper component of said rifle; b) removing saidcarrier gas key from said bolt carrier; c) installing a dual-bored metalgas diverting block mechanism in place of said carrier gas key on saidbolt carrier attached on said bolt carrier at said two threaded carriergas key screw receiving orifices; and, d) inserting said bolt carrierwith said installed metal gas diverting block mechanism back into theupper receiver component of said rifle so as to inhibit semi-automaticoperation of said semi-automatic rifle by disabling the automatic gasactuated casing ejection, automatic gas actuated bolt and hammer reset,and automatic gas actuated cartridge reload functionality. In otherembodiments, there is another method of converting a semi-automaticrifle to a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifle which includes:a) removing the charge handle and bolt carrier with installed carriergas key from the upper component of said rifle; b) removing said carriergas key from said bolt carrier; c) installing a block and a charge/pullhandle combination mechanism in place of said carrier gas key on saidbolt carrier, that includes a dual-bored and threaded metal gasdiverting block mechanism and a charging handle; and, d) inserting boltcarrier with said installed metal gas diverting block mechanism and saidcharge/pull handle combination mechanism back into the upper receivercomponent of said rifle.

In some embodiments of the present invention methods above, the metalgas diverting block mechanism is a metal selected from the groupconsisting of an aluminum, titanium, steel, and stainless steel.

In some embodiments of the present invention methods above, the boltcarrier has a top flat portion with two threaded orifices for receivingcarrier gas key screws and said metal gas diverting block mechanismcontains two corresponding orifices and said step c) above is performedby screwing said metal gas diverting block mechanism to said boltcarrier.

In some embodiments of the present invention methods above, the metalgas diverting block mechanism is a unitary component.

In some embodiments of the present invention methods above, the metalgas diverting block mechanism is a two-component metal gas divertingblock mechanism.

In some embodiments of the present invention methods above, the metalgas diverting block mechanism and charge handle combination is selectedfrom the group consisting of aluminum, titanium, steel and stainlesssteel.

In some embodiments of the present invention methods above, the boltcarrier has a top flat portion with two threaded orifices for receivingcarrier gas key screws and each of said metal gas diverting blockmechanism and said charging handle contains two corresponding orificesand said step c) above is performed by screwing said metal gas divertingblock mechanism and said charging handle combination to said boltcarrier.

In some embodiments of the present invention methods above, the metalgas diverting block mechanism and charge handle combination is a unitarycomponent.

In some embodiments of the present invention methods above, the metalgas diverting block mechanism and charge handle combination is atwo-component metal gas diverting block mechanism.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS(S)

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention and together with the detailed description serve to explainthe principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of parts of a prior art AR-15 rifle,illustrating, among other things, a conventional (factory production)bolt carrier assembly;

FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of further details of a prior artconventional bolt carrier assembly, conventional carrier gas key, andconventional charge handle;

FIG. 3 is an oblique view of one embodiment of the present inventiondual-bored metal gas diverting block mechanism having a front end thatis at least partially askew from a right angle to the bolt carrier, thatreplaces the conventional carrier gas key to block gas flow and preventsemi-automatic operation of a rifle, and converts it to a single shot,straight pull bolt action, and FIG. 4a shows a top view and FIG. 4bshows a side view thereof;

FIG. 5 is an oblique view of one embodiment of the present inventiondual-bored metal gas diverting block mechanism having a front end thatis at least partially askew from a right angle to the bolt carrier, thatreplaces the conventional carrier gas key to block gas flow and preventsemi-automatic operation of a rifle and converts it to a single shot,straight pull bolt action, and FIG. 6a shows a top view and FIG. 6bshows a side view thereof;

FIG. 7 is an oblique view of one present invention dual-bored metal gasdiverting block mechanism having a front end that has a channel that isat least partially askew from a right angle to the bolt carrier, thatreplaces the conventional carrier gas key to block gas flow and preventsemi-automatic operation of a rifle and converts it to a single shot,straight pull bolt action, and FIG. 8a shows a top view and FIG. 8bshows a side view thereof;

FIG. 9 illustrates an oblique view of a present invention gas divertingmetal block mechanism attached to a carrier assembly, utilizing thepresent invention block of FIGS. 3, 4 a and 4 b;

FIGS. 10 and 11 show oblique views of other embodiments of presentinvention devices wherein each has a combination pull handle/chargehandle and metal gas diverting block mechanism, and wherein FIG. 10shows a single pull handle on the right side (it is possible to mount asingle pull handle in any combination of left/right side) and FIG. 11shows a double pull handle, one on the left side and one on the rightside, to accommodate both left and right-handed users;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a prior art conventionalsemi-automatic AR-style rifle pull/charge handle with an attachmentcomponent at the pull handle (spring actuated charge handlelocking/release mechanism) that is eliminated in the present inventioncombination pull handle and metal gas diverting block mechanism;

FIG. 13 illustrates an oblique view of a present invention combinationpull/charge handle and gas diverting metal block mechanism shown in FIG.11, but here attached to a carrier assembly;

FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate a top view and an oblique view of adifferent present invention combination pull/charge handle and gasdiverting metal block mechanism with a gas diversion channel and onenormal and one elongated (extended) pull handle;

FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c illustrate a top view, a bottom view and anexploded oblique view of a different present invention combinationpull/charge handle and gas diverting metal block mechanism wherein thecharge handle and block are unistructural and the pull handles are asingle separate component connected thereto;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded oblique view of the present inventioncombination pull handle/metal gas diverting block mechanism shown inFIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c being attached to a carrier assembly; and,

FIGS. 17a and 17b show oblique view and an exploded oblique view thepresent invention combination pull handle/metal gas diverting blockmechanism shown in FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c with a reversible pull armextending the pull handle.

FIG. 18 is directed to an embodiment wherein the metal gas divertingblock mechanism has a front end that includes a deflection wall angledaskew from the right angle to the bolt carrier;

FIG. 19 is directed to an embodiment wherein the metal gas divertingblock mechanism has a front end that includes a deflection wall angledat a right angle to the bolt carrier; and

FIG. 20 is directed to an embodiment wherein the metal gas divertingblock mechanism has a front end that includes a deflection wall with adiversion channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

AR style rifles are manufactured as semi-automatic weapons that may berepeatedly fired in rapid sequence by repeated rapid pulling of thetrigger, that is, a single spent case is automatically ejected, and thenext round is automatically moved into the firing position with everysingle pull of the trigger. This is accomplished by propellant gasdirect impingement. Direct Impingement is the original technology,devised by Eugene Stoner. At the pull of the trigger and the firing of asingle round of ammunition, propellant gas is bled through a small holelocated in the barrel, which is then channeled through a very small tubeback in the direction of the chamber where it can proceed to directlycontact (or impinge) the bolt carrier mechanism through a carrier gaskey. At this point the bolt carrier group is pushed to the rear of therifle, extracting and ejecting the spent casing, and resetting thehammer. The bolt carrier group is then pushed forward by spring-loadedaction, stripping an unspent cartridge from the magazine, loading itdirectly into the chamber of the barrel, readying the rifle to fireanother single round at another pull of the trigger. To qualify as asemiautomatic AR style rifle, such as an AR-15, a rifle must beself-loading, and be able to perform a specific set of basic functionsmechanically, without user assistance. To be more specific, whendepressing the trigger, the rifle needs to fire a single cartridge, andthen extract that spent casing from the chamber and eject it in somemanner from the rifle, and then automatically reset the hammer. Next, itmust then load an unspent cartridge into the chamber. The round isadvanced from the magazine, chambered, the breech is then locked, andthe rifle is ready to fire another single round. The rifle will thenhave a fresh round loaded, and again be ready to fire by simply pullingthe trigger again. The present invention is directed to eliminating theforegoing semi-automatic features to render the rifle no longersemi-automatic, but instead, make it a single shot, straight pull boltaction; requiring user actions to accomplish eject/reload functions.Thus, what the present invention does is a) prevent the AR rifle fromfunctioning as a semi-automatic rifle; and, b) it changes the most basicfunctionality of the rifle. What we are left with when using thisinvention is something that aesthetically looks like an AR style rifle(e.g. AR-15) but no longer acts, behaves, or performs as it wasoriginally intended.

Many semi-automatic AR style rifles such as the AR-10, AR-15, M-16, M-4and others have been modified to accommodate different size ammunitioncartridges, to enhance functional speed, to accommodate left handedpeople, to convert to single shot and/or to change from pull action toside charging action. These conversion packages involve complex,expensive component change outs, and, very often, upper receivermodifications that require metal machining, cutting, drilling, weldingor other complex changes, or the purchase of a totally new and sometimesproprietary (non-mil-spec) upper components. The present invention isdirected to inexpensive, simple and convenient devices and methods forconversion of such semi-automatic rifles to single shot, straight pullbolt action rifles, without modifying any of the main carrier system orupper structures of the rifle and maintaining the factory integrity andmil-spec components of the rifle, with the sole exception of theelimination of the carrier gas key, or carrier gas key and bolt carrier,to replace these with a gas diverting block mechanism. In the presentinvention, the carrier gas key, or the carrier gas key, pull handle,and/or bolt carrier, are removed and the present invention device isinstalled. All of the complexities and physical structure modifications(drilling, cutting, machining, etc.) are completely eliminated, alongwith avoidance of needing to purchase separate, proprietary ornon-military spec upper components.

In FIG. 1, PRIOR ART, an oblique view of parts of a prior art AR-15rifle, illustrates, among other things, a conventional (factoryproduction) bolt carrier assembly. In general, one of ordinary skill inthis art recognizes the detailed components of an AR-15, and thus notall details of the entire weapon are discussed here. For example, thebolt carrier group has elements that are not featured or describedbecause they are not affected by the present invention, such as thebolt, firing pin, etc. Likewise, the trigger and lower assembly areremoved from the Figure and are not relevant to the present invention.FIG. 1 shows a typical direct impingement semi-automatic AR style rifle(e.g. AR-15) upper receiver assembly parts in an exploded view. ThisFigure is used to show both the prior art structure and thefunctionality of direct impingement gas powered semi-automatic operationin an AR style rifle. Thus, in FIG. 1, the following parts, amongothers, are shown: upper receiver 3, barrel 5, connecting barrel nut 7,gas block 9, flash suppressor 11, gas tube 13, upper and lower handguard portions 15 and 17, bolt carrier 19, charging handle with springenabled locking mechanism 21 and carrier gas key 23. When a bullet isfired down the barrel, gas from the barrel 5 flows through the gas block9 and gas tube 13 into the upper receiver 3. Gas is trapped in thebarrel as the bullet moves toward and then past the gas block port.After the bullet passes the gas port, the gas behind the bullet flowsinto the gas block port and down the gas tube 13, located above thebarrel 5, as shown. The gas tube protrudes into the carrier gas key 23which accepts the gas and funnels it through the bolt carrier 19 via agas key 23 and into the bolt. This initiates the automatic gas actuatedcycling of the bolt carrier 19. The ammunition casing is automaticallyejected and the next cartridge is automatically loaded for firing. Bythis gas push and spring return, the bolt carrier cycles backwards andforwards automatically between each shot. (The bolt located within thebolt carrier is propelled back by expanding gas and propelled forward bythe recoil spring.) The barrel nut 7, as shown, connects the upperreceiver 3 to the barrel 5 of the AR style rifle.

FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of further details of the PRIOR ARTconventional carrier assembly with carrier gas key, thus being a largerdrawing of a portion of that which is shown in FIG. 1 above, and,further, wherein identical parts in both drawings may be identicallynumbered and thus, not now repeated. Most importantly, there is a moredetailed aspect of carrier gas key 23. As can be seen, the carrier gaskey 23 is mounted on bolt carrier 19 with two recess-positioned screws29 and 31, situated on rear portion 27 of carrier gas key 23. Forward onkey 23 is the gas key gas port 25 that is necessary for the rifle tofunction in a semi-automatic mode, and which is replaced by the presentinvention and thus the gas impingement functionality is inhibited (thegas is physically blocked from entering the bolt carrier), rendering therifle a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifle and no longer asemi-automatic rifle.

FIG. 3 is an oblique view of one present invention metal gas divertingblock mechanism 30 that replaces the conventional carrier gas key (suchas carrier gas key 23 of the preceding Figures) to block gas flow to andthrough the bolt carrier and bolt, and divert gas out of the rifle, andthus to prevent semi-automatic operation of the rifle and to therebyconvert it to a single shot, straight pull bolt action. Presentinvention metal gas diverting block mechanism 30 is preferably made froma single block of metal (cast, machined or otherwise formed) and has abase 31, a raised metal gas diverting block component 33, and recesses39 and 41, with screw-receiving orifices 35 and 37 for mounting in placeof a conventional carrier gas key. Note that the block front end 43 hasa deflection wall that is angled askew from a right angle to relative tosaid bolt carrier (by askew from a right angle is meant that at least aportion of the front end is not at right angle to the direction ofmovement of the carrier). While this front end in this figure is flatand of constant angle, without exceeding the scope of the presentinvention, this may alternatively be curved, pointed, grooved, channeledor otherwise, as long as a portion of the front end is not at a rightangle to the elongation and travel direction of the carrier. Thisfurther improvement fully diverts gas and allows it to exit the rifle.

FIG. 4a shows a top view and FIG. 4b shows a side view of metal gasdiverting block mechanism 30 of FIG. 3. Identical components areidentically numbered.

FIG. 5 is an oblique view of another present invention metal gasdiverting block mechanism 50 that replaces a conventional carrier gaskey to block gas flow to and through the bolt carrier and bolt and todivert gas out of the rifle. This prevents semi-automatic operation ofthe rifle and thereby converts it to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle. Present invention metal gas diverting block mechanism 50is preferably made from a single block of metal (cast, machined orotherwise formed) and has a base 51, a raised metal gas diverting blockcomponent 53, and recesses 59 and 61, with screw-receiving orifices 55and 57 for mounting in place of a conventional carrier gas key. Withoutexceeding the scope of the present invention, the gas diverting blockmechanism's front end can in some embodiments be angled askew from aright angle relative to the bolt carrier either facing the right side ofthe rifle so as to divert gas out of rifles built with conventionalright handed upper receivers (i.e., the ejection port comes from thefactory on the right hand side of the rifle), or askew facing the leftside of the rifle so as to divert gas out of rifles built withconventional left handed upper receivers (i.e., the ejection port comesfrom the factory on the left hand side of the rifle).

FIG. 6a shows a top view and FIG. 6b shows a side view of metal gasdiverting block mechanism 50 of FIG. 5. Identical components areidentically numbered.

FIG. 7 is an oblique view of another present invention metal gasdiverting block mechanism 70 that replaces a conventional carrier gaskey to block gas flow to and through the bolt carrier and bolt and todivert gas out of the rifle. As with other embodiments of the presentinvention described above, this embodiment prevents semi-automaticoperation of the rifle and thereby converts it to a single shot,straight pull bolt action rifle. Present invention metal gas divertingblock mechanism 70 is preferably made from a single block of metal(cast, machined or otherwise formed) and has a base 71, a raised metalgas diverting block component 73, and recesses 79 and 61, withscrew-receiving orifices 75 and 77 for mounting in place of aconventional carrier gas key. Note that the block front end is mostly ata right angle to the carrier, except that here there is an askew channel83 formed to divert gas away from the interior of the rifle (directed toexpel gas out of the rifle's casing ejection port). Without exceedingthe scope of the present invention, the askew channel can in someembodiments be angled askew from a right angle relative to the boltcarrier either facing the right side of the rifle so as to divert gasout of rifles built with conventional right handed upper receivers(i.e., the ejection port comes from the factory on the right hand sideof the rifle), or askew facing the left side of the rifle so as todivert gas out of rifles built with conventional left handed upperreceivers (i.e., the ejection port comes from the factory on the lefthand side of the rifle).

FIG. 8a shows a top view and FIG. 8b shows a side view of metal gasdiverting block mechanism 70 of FIG. 7 to further illustrate thisembodiment. Identical components are identically numbered. These groovescould take any exit path and remain within the scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an oblique side view of a present invention metal gasdiverting block mechanism 30 from above (FIGS. 3, 4 a and 4 b, withidentical parts identically numbered), attached to a carrier 19. Thismetal gas diverting block mechanism 30 is attached to carrier 19 by thetwo screws normally used to attach a carrier gas key, at recesses 39 and41. This blocks gas flow to the carrier assembly and preventssemi-automatic shooting by neutralizing the direct impingement gasoperation, as described above, and it diverts gas away from the rifle(directed to expel gas out of the rifle's casing ejection port). Thislimits the amount of block gas's flowing around the bolt carrier groupand throughout the interior of the upper receiver of the rifle whichcould cause sticking or jamming of the bolt carrier group as a result ofexcessive carbon build-up/fouling.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show oblique views of other embodiments of presentinvention devices wherein each has a combination pull handle/chargehandle and metal gas diverting block mechanism, and wherein FIG. 10shows a single pull handle on the right side (it is possible to mount apull handle in any combination of left/right side to accommodateleft/right hand use), and FIG. 11 shows a double pull handle, one on theleft side and one on the right side, to accommodate both left andright-handed users.

Referring specifically to FIG. 10, device 90 includes a main chargehandle shaft 91 and, at its forward end, has a gas diverting blockmechanism 95 with a gas-deflecting askew front 93, and attachmentorifices 97 and 99. At its opposite end, has a pull handle 101. Pullhandle 101 is set up for right hand use. If the handle 101 isestablished on the opposite side, it would be for left handed use.Recesses 67 and 69 contain attachment orifices for attaching to thescrew holes originally made for attachment of a carrier gas key.

In FIG. 11, a present invention combination pull handle and metal gasdiverting block mechanism device 110 is illustrated. Device 110 includesa main shaft 123 and, at its forward end, has a gas blocking mechanism115, with a gas-deflecting askew front 111, and attachment orifices 117and 119. At its back end, there are opposing pull handles 121 and 125,with finger loops, as shown. This dual pull handle is set up for eitherright hand or left hand use, and handle shape and size can be modifiedaccording to user needs (hand size, shooting style, and ergonomics). Theattachment orifices are for attaching the device to the screw holesoriginally made in a rifle's bolt carrier for the attachment of acarrier gas key.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a prior art conventionalsemi-automatic AR-style rifle pull/charge handle, device 198, with anattachment component at the pull handle (spring actuated locking/releasemechanism) 199 that is eliminated in the present invention combinationpull handle and metal gas diverting block mechanism embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates an oblique view of a present invention combinationpull/charge handle and gas diverting metal block mechanism device 110shown in FIG. 11, but here attached to a carrier assembly 129. Identicalparts here as shown in FIG. 11 are identically numbered.

FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate a top view and an oblique view of adifferent present invention combination device 140 with a charge handle141 and gas diverting metal block 143 built into it. Block 143 has a gasdiversion channel 153, and attachment orifices 145 and 147.Additionally, unistructurally formed as a part of this one component aretwo pull handles, one is normal pull handle 151 and the other one iselongated (extended) pull handle 149.

FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c illustrate a top view, a bottom view and anexploded oblique view of a different present invention combinationpull/charge handle and gas diverting metal block device 170. Here thecharge handle 171 and the gas blocking device 173 are unistructural(one-piece component), and block 173 includes an oblique (askew angle)diversion front surface 185, a channel, and two attachment orifices(unnumbered). The pull handles 177 and 179 are a single separatecomponent and include a charge handle attachment yoke 175 with threadedorifices for connecting charge handle 171 to thereto with connecting(and preferably locking) screws 181 and 183.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded oblique view of the present inventioncombination pull handle/metal gas diverting block device 170 shown inFIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c , but here being attached to a carrier assembly180 of rifle upper receiver 190.

FIGS. 17a and 17b show oblique view and an exploded oblique view of thepresent invention combination pull handle/metal gas diverting blockdevice 170 shown in FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c , but now with a reversiblepull arm 181 extending the pull handle. Reversible pull arm 181 has anattachment end 183 that structurally corresponds to and fits into thefinger loop of both pull handles 177 and 179. There is an attachmentchock 187 that likewise corresponds to the end 183 and to the fingerloops. This chock is attached on the underside and screwed together withthe attachment end 183 of reversible pull arm 181 (which also has itsown extended finger loop end 185). These can be flipped (reversed) andattached to the opposite side so as to accommodate either left or righthanded users.

FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 are directed to the present invention embodimentsrecited above, to be used on conventional AR style rifles that includeconventional AR style rifle components, including but not limited to anupper receiver and lower, trigger, trigger guard, barrel, and, asemi-automatic firing mechanism including a direct impingement gasactuated casing ejection, gas actuated bolt and hammer reset mechanism,and gas actuated cartridge reloading (a semi-automatic AR style rifle),and including the present invention embodiment with a bolt carrierassembly component that is unistructurally formed and comprised of abolt carrier structure and an integrated metal gas diverting blockmechanism. FIG. 18 is directed to an embodiment wherein the metal gasdiverting block mechanism has a front end that includes a deflectionwall angled askew from the right angle to the bolt carrier; FIG. 19 isdirected to an embodiment wherein the metal gas diverting blockmechanism has a front end that includes a deflection wall angled at aright angle to the bolt carrier; and FIG. 20 is directed to anembodiment wherein the metal gas diverting block mechanism has a frontend that includes a deflection wall with a diversion channel. In all ofthese Figures, the metal gas diverting block mechanism being positionedso as to inhibit semi-automatic operation of the semi-automatic AR stylerifle by blocking gas from entering the bolt carrier assembly towardsthe bolt and thereby disabling the automatic gas actuated casingejection, automatic gas actuated bolt and hammer reset, and automaticgas actuated cartridge reload functionality, thereby rendering the ARstyle rifle a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifle.

Thus, in FIG. 18, there is presented an oblique view of a presentinvention embodiment of a semi-automatic rifle conversion element thatis a single structure combination device 210, with a combination pullhandle and metal gas diverting block mechanism device 212 and boltcarrier assembly structure 214, all formed in a single unistructuralunit. These present invention devices may be formed by any knowntechnique, such as casting, machining, 3-D printing and combinationsthereof. Device 212 includes a main shaft 211 and, at its forward end,has a gas block mechanism 217, with a tapered gas-diverting surface 213askew from a right angle to the bolt carrier assembly. At its back end215, there are opposing pull handles 219 and 221, with finger loops, asshown. This dual pull handle is set up for either right hand or lefthand use, and handle shape and size can be modified according to userneeds (hand size, shooting style, and ergonomics). This combinationreadily replaces the conventional bolt carrier assembly with carrier gaskey combination to convert a direct gas impingement AR-stylesemi-automatic rifle into a single shot, straight pull bolt actionrifle.

In FIG. 19, there is presented an oblique view of a present inventionembodiment of an AR Style gas direct impingement semi-automatic rifleconversion element that is a single structure combination device 300,with a combination metal gas diverting block mechanism device 331 andbolt carrier assembly structure 319, all formed in a singleunistructural unit. Metal gas diverting block mechanism device 331 has afront end 333 that includes a flat surface wall 343 at a right angle tothe bolt carrier assembly (perpendicular to direction of movement). Thisflat surface wall 343 blocks and diverts gas that would otherwise bechanneled into a conventional bolt carrier group assembly by a carriergas key in order to initiate direct impingement semi-automaticfunctionality; thereby blocking any gas actuated direct-impingementsemi-automatic functionality and converting a semi-automatic AR stylerifle into a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifle.

In FIG. 20, there is presented an oblique view of a present inventionembodiment of a direct gas impingement semi-automatic AR style rifleconversion element that is a single structure combination device 350,with a combination metal gas diverting block mechanism device 351 andbolt carrier assembly structure 361, all formed in a singleunistructural unit. Metal gas diverting block mechanism device 351 has afront end 353 that includes a gas diversion channel 355. This blocks anddiverts gas that would otherwise be channeled into a conventional boltcarrier group assembly by a carrier gas key in order to initiate directimpingement semi-automatic functionality; thereby blocking any gasactuated direct-impingement semi-automatic functionality and convertinga direct impingement semi-automatic AR style rifle into a single shot,straight pull bolt action rifle.

In addition to other advantageous features described above, the presentinvention combination charging handle with metal gas diverting blockmechanism is, as mentioned, bolted directly to the bolt carrier in placeof the carrier gas key, and also eliminates the need for, the complexityof, and the possible problems with, the conventional charging handlespring-loaded locking mechanism. Thus, these versions of the presentinvention has five simultaneous and synergistic advantages: (1) thedirect impingement semi-automatic AR style rifle is converted to asingle shot, straight pull bolt action rifle; (2) the conversion isaccomplished without rebuilding the carrier or other mechanisms withinthe rifle; (3) no additional proprietary or non mil-spec upper receiverneeds to be purchased; (4) no new machining or drilling or welding isneeded for attachment; (5) the pull handle is locked in place on theupper without needing a spring actuated locking mechanism; and (6) as aresult of eliminating the handle spring/lock, subsequent spring/lockwear and/or malfunction is eliminated.

As mentioned, as with all charge handle/gas diverting block combinationversions of the present invention, there is no need for a spring lockingmechanism on the charge handle (or any locking mechanism on the chargehandle for that matter). This is important because current prior artversions with an extended design are more expensive and they requiremuch more complex charge handled unlocking mechanisms which need to beactuated from the very end of the long arm.

In this present invention iteration with pull handles, the presentinvention devices allow for the shooter to pull from a more forwardlocation on the rifle (further up towards the barrel), thereby providingthe user with a more comfortable, natural, ergonomic pulling motion thanis allowed by models where the pull motion is much closer to the face.The purpose behind this concept is to allow for the rifle to be chargedmanually without removing one's face from the shooting position (eyesaligned with the sights). This means that 99.9% of the time the rifle ismanually charged with one hand and the other supports the rifle in afixed position, i.e., only one hand instead of both hands needs to moveto effect charging. To grab both sides of the pull handle at once wouldrequire the shooter to totally remove his face from the shootingposition in order to make room for his forearm). The extended forwardposition allows for a more comfortable pulling motion as the hand andelbow are not as crowded by one's body and face. Most right handedshooters will pull with their left hands in order to maintain theirshooting hand grip on the weapon and trigger guard. Still, the shorterpull handle on the right side allows for purchase if the shooter desiresto pull with his right hand instead. Most shooters will pull only fromone side, with one hand, because the goal is to stay in an accurateshooting position on the rifle during charging. Thus, anotheralternative embodiment would be a mirror image of the some of the aboveembodiments. Finally, the reversible extension arm variation will allowlefties and righties to try either side for pulling with or without thearm, to customize the present invention to suit each user's personalpreference.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described indetail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to those particularembodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effectedtherein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,the actual shape of the main housing may be any of numerouspossibilities as long as its functionality as described is not affectedadversely.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of converting a production AR-styledirect gas impingement semi-automatic rifle to a single shot, straightpull bolt action rifle which comprises: a) removing the bolt carrierwith carrier gas key from the upper receiver of said rifle; b) removingsaid carrier gas key from said bolt carrier; c) installing a dual-boredmetal gas diverting block mechanism in place of said carrier gas key onsaid bolt carrier attached to said bolt carrier at said two threadedcarrier gas key screw receiving orifices; and, d) inserting said boltcarrier with said metal gas diverting block mechanism back into theupper receiver of said rifle so as to inhibit semi-automatic operationof said semi-automatic rifle by disabling the automatic gas actuatedcasing ejection, automatic gas actuated bolt and hammer reset, andautomatic gas actuated cartridge reload functionality.
 2. A method ofconverting a production AR-style direct gas impingement semi-automaticrifle to a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifle of claim 21wherein said metal gas diverting block mechanism is made of metalselected from the group consisting of aluminum, titanium, steel andstainless steel.
 3. A method of converting a production AR-style directgas impingement semi-automatic rifle to a single shot, straight pullbolt action rifle of claim 21 wherein said bolt carrier has a top flatportion with two threaded orifices for receiving carrier gas key screwsand said metal gas diverting block mechanism contains two correspondingorifices and said step c) of claim 21 is performed by screwing saidmetal gas diverting block mechanism to said bolt carrier.
 4. A method ofconverting a production AR-style direct gas impingement semi-automaticrifle to a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifle of claim 21wherein said metal gas diverting block mechanism is a unitary component.5. A method of converting a production AR-style direct gas impingementsemi-automatic rifle to a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifleof claim 21 wherein said metal gas diverting block mechanism is atwo-component metal gas diverting block mechanism.
 6. A method ofconverting a production AR-style direct gas impingement semi-automaticrifle to a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifle which comprises:a) removing the charge handle and bolt carrier with carrier gas key fromthe upper receiver of said rifle; b) removing said carrier gas key fromsaid bolt carrier; c) installing a gas blocking/diverting mechanism anda charge/pull handle combination mechanism in place of said carrier gaskey on said bolt carrier, that includes a dual-bored and threaded metalgas diverting block mechanism and a charging handle; and, d) insertingbolt carrier with said metal gas diverting block mechanism and saidcharge/pull handle combination mechanism back into the upper receiver ofsaid rifle.
 7. A method of converting a production AR-style direct gasimpingement semi-automatic rifle to a single shot, straight pull boltaction rifle of claim 26 wherein said metal gas diverting blockmechanism and charge handle combination is selected from the groupconsisting of aluminum, titanium, steel and stainless steel.
 8. A methodof converting a production AR-style direct gas impingementsemi-automatic rifle to a single shot, straight pull bolt action rifleof claim 26 wherein said bolt carrier has a top flat portion with twothreaded orifices for receiving carrier gas key screws and each of saidmetal gas diverting block mechanism and said charging handle containstwo corresponding orifices and said step c) of claim 26 is performed byscrewing said metal gas diverting block mechanism and said charginghandle combination to said bolt carrier.
 9. A method of converting aproduction AR-style direct gas impingement semi-automatic rifle to asingle shot, straight pull bolt action rifle of claim 26 wherein saidmetal gas diverting block mechanism and charge handle combination is aunitary component.
 10. A method of converting a production AR-styledirect gas impingement semi-automatic rifle to a single shot, straightpull bolt action rifle of claim 26 wherein said metal gas divertingblock mechanism and charge handle combination is a two-component metalgas diverting block mechanism.